In terms of the national picture, I think if you told many Labour party members what [the] result was going to be I think we would be very pleased. We have come back from being deeply unpopular.â€

Meanwhile, second-placed Lib Dem candidate Farooq Qureshi, who was frequently criticised for having a low profile in Wanstead, conceded the point, saying:

“It was a very high turnout, because of that we failed to narrow the gap. I think it’s also because we haven’t done any work in Wanstead and Snaresbrook. Over the years we haven’t managed to get any presence in Snaresbrook.”

And Ed Northover, Conservative, who came third despite ambitious campaigning, said:

â€œThough I strongly disagree with John Cryer I think he is a very decent man.â€

Labour have held Leyton and Wanstead; John Cryer is the new MP. There was a small swing to the Lib Dems from Labour – 2.6% – and the Conservatives were third. All other candidates, including BNP and Green, lost their deposits. Turnout was 63.2%, up 9.3% on 2005.

[table id=3 /]

From around the web

9.20am. John Cryer wins Leyton and Wanstead

7am: Turnout was 63.1%, but counting has taken much longer than expected, and Dominic Binns is reporting that no declaration is expected until 9am.

1.40am

BBC estimate of Leyton and Wanstead declaration is 3am. Wanstead Guardian’s Daniel Binns reports that not many candidates are at the count yet – though John Cryer and Edwin Northover are there – and that a result is not expected for “many more hours yet”.

Wanstead might have expected the High Street to be a-buzz with last-minute feverish campaigning on the last Saturday morning before polling day. After all, it seems there’s plenty to play for – 6,000 is a respectable majority but not an unassailable one, and though the Conservatives have been very active campaigners, some are still tipping the Lib Dems to cause an upset here.

But it was a subdued atmosphere which greeted shoppers. There were token campaign tables from Labour and Tory groups, though not, it appeared, the candidates. And the other parties – Lib Dems, UKIP, Greens, BNP and Christian – were not in attendance.

Jenna Hedges The Leyton and Wanstead Lib Dem candidates were not present at the prospective candidates meeting/hustings with the public today and have apparently pulled out of all the Questions debates in the area. Very strange and feel compelled to find out why!

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.